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DB6 Tool Steel Hardness (HRC): Complete Guide to Heat Treatment & Applications

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db6 tool steel

DB6 Material Hardness in HRC

DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) is a widely used hot work tool steel for forging, die casting, heavy engineering and plastic mould industries. It offers an excellent balance of toughness, wear resistance, impact strength, and heat resistance, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications.

Hardness of DB6 Tool Steel is an important factor that defines its performance properties, tool life, machinability and ability to resist deformation under high pressure and high temperature conditions. The right heat treatment to the correct Rockwell Hardness (HRC) will ensure optimum performance in forging dies, extrusion dies, hammer dies and pressure die casting application.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover DB6 Tool Steel hardness (HRC), heat treatment process, mechanical properties, applications, comparison with other tool steels, pricing considerations, and why Virat Steels is one of India’s trusted suppliers of premium-quality DB6 Tool Steel.

What is DB6 Steel?

DB6 Tool Steel is a high quality hot work tool steel, equivalent to DIN 1.2714, (AISI L6), (55NiCrMoV7). It is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel known for outstanding toughness and excellent resistance to thermal fatigue.

Compared to conventional hot work steels, DB6 provides:

  • Superior impact strength
  • High toughness
  • Excellent wear resistance
  • Good hardenability
  • Outstanding resistance to cracking
  • Longer die life
  • Excellent polishability
  • Good machinability

These characteristics make DB6 an ideal choice for large forging dies, hammer dies, die holders, extrusion tooling, pressure die casting dies, and heavy-duty industrial tools.

International Equivalents of DB6 Tool Steel

DB6 Tool Steel is internationally recognized under the DIN 1.2714 standard and is equivalent to EN 55NiCrMoV7. It is also considered an approximate equivalent to AISI L6 in certain applications. In India, DB6 is widely known by its trade name and is commonly used as a premium hot work tool steel for forging dies, die casting dies, extrusion tooling, and heavy engineering applications.

Chemical Composition of DB6 Tool Steel

DB6 Tool Steel contains a balanced combination of carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium, providing excellent toughness, wear resistance, and hot strength. This alloy composition ensures superior impact resistance, good hardenability, and extended tool life in demanding hot work applications.

ElementComposition (%)
Carbon (C)0.50–0.60
Silicon (Si)0.10–0.40
Manganese (Mn)0.65–0.95
Chromium (Cr)1.00–1.20
Nickel (Ni)1.50–1.80
Molybdenum (Mo)0.45–0.55
Vanadium (V)0.07–0.12

Mechanical Properties of DB6 Tool Steel

DB6 Tool Steel offers an excellent combination of toughness, wear resistance, and heat resistance, making it ideal for high-impact and hot work applications such as forging and die casting.

PropertyTypical Value
Density7.85 g/cm³
Tensile StrengthHigh
ToughnessExcellent
Wear ResistanceExcellent
Heat ResistanceExcellent
Thermal Fatigue ResistanceExcellent

DB6 Tool Steel Hardness (HRC)

Hardness is the most important property when selecting DB6 Tool Steel for industrial tooling.

Different hardness according to different Tempering temperature conditions.

– Annealed condition – 255 BHN max

– Hardened and Tempered condition- 38 to 42 HRC

annealed stock measures up to 255 BHN, standard mill-supply condition is tempered to 38–42 HRC for machining, and finished dies are re-hardened and tempered to a working hardness of 45–56 HRC depending on whether the application prioritizes toughness or wear resistance.

Heat Treatment of DB6 Tool Steel

Proper heat treatment is essential to achieve the desired hardness and mechanical properties.

The process generally involves:

  1. Annealing
  2. Stress Relieving
  3. Hardening
  4. Quenching
  5. Tempering

Each stage contributes to the final balance of hardness, toughness, and dimensional stability.

Annealing

Annealing softens the material, improves machinability, and relieves internal stresses before hardening.

Recommended Process:

  • Heat slowly to 840–860°C
  • Hold for sufficient soaking time
  • Cool slowly inside the furnace

Resulting Hardness:

Approximately 220–250 HB

Stress Relieving

Stress relieving is recommended after rough machining.

  • Temperature: 600–650°C
  • Hold for 2 hours
  • Furnace cool slowly

This minimizes distortion during final hardening.

Hardening

The hardening process significantly increases hardness and wear resistance.

Procedure:

  • Preheat: 600 – 650°C
  • Austenitize: 840–870°C
  • Oil or polymer quench
  • Air cooling where appropriate

The resulting hardness typically reaches 54–56 HRC before tempering.

Tempering

Tempering reduces brittleness while maintaining the desired hardness.

It is recommended to temper immediately after quenching.

Typical Tempering Range:

450–650°C

Double tempering is often recommended for improved dimensional stability and toughness.

Advantages of Proper Heat Treatment

By improving the mechanical properties and durability of the steel, proper heat treatment can improve the performance and service life of DB6 Tool Steel.

  • Enhanced wear resistance
  • Greater durability
  • Improved thermal fatigue resistance
  • Less risk of cracking
  • Longer life of die
  • Reduced maintenance costs

Applications of DB6 Tool Steel

DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) is a popular choice for hot work applications requiring high toughness, wear resistance and resistance to thermal fatigue. It is ideal for the manufacture of heavy duty dies and tools used under extreme operating conditions.

IndustryTypical Applications
ForgingClosed forging dies, hammer dies
Die CastingAluminium die casting dies
ExtrusionExtrusion dies
AutomotiveCrankshaft and connecting rod dies
Plastic MouldingLarge mould bases
Heavy EngineeringDie holders and forging blocks
Aerospace & DefenceHeavy-duty tooling
Steel PlantsHot shearing blades and press tools

DB6 Tool Steel Advantages & Disadvantages

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Good impact resistance and toughnessMore expensive than the usual alloy steels
Good wear and heat fatigue resistanceNeeds proper heat treatment
Longer die life with less crackingNot the best choice for high abrasive cold work applications (D2 is preferred)
Good hardenability and dimensional stabilitySpecial tools are required for machining after hardening
Suitable for large forging dies, hot working toolsMaterial costs are higher for more expensive alloys

DB6 vs H13 Tool Steel Comparison

Property     DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714)     H13 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2344)
Steel TypeHot Work Tool SteelHot Work Tool Steel
ToughnessExcellentVery Good
Wear ResistanceVery GoodExcellent
Impact ResistanceExcellentVery Good
   Thermal Fatigue ResistanceExcellentExcellent
Hot HardnessVery GoodExcellent
Best Applications     Forging Dies, Hammer Dies    Die Casting & Extrusion Dies
Large Die BlocksExcellentVery Good
Relative CostModerateModerate to High

Best Choice: Choose DB6 for heavy-impact forging applications requiring superior toughness, while H13 is ideal for high-temperature die casting and aluminium extrusion tooling.

   DB6 vs H11 Tool Steel

PropertyDB6H11
ToughnessExcellentExcellent
Wear ResistanceHigherGood
Hardness45–56 HRC44–52 HRC
Thermal ShockExcellentExcellent
Large BlocksExcellentGood
Service LifeLongerGood

Best Choice: DB6 is preferred where higher wear resistance and longer tool life are required.

DB6 vs D2 Tool Steel

PropertyDB6D2
TypeHot WorkCold Work
ToughnessExcellentModerate
Wear ResistanceHighVery High
Hot StrengthExcellentPoor
Impact ResistanceExcellentModerate
Forging DiesExcellent   Not Recommended
Cold BlankingNot IdealExcellent

Best Choice: Use DB6 for hot work and D2 for cold work applications.

DB6 vs P20 Tool Steel

PropertyDB6P20
ToughnessExcellentGood
HardnessUp to 56 HRC28–34 HRC
Plastic MouldsGoodExcellent
ForgingExcellent   Not Recommended
    Wear ResistanceHighModerate
Tool LifeLongerModerate

DB6 vs EN31

PropertyDB6EN31
Steel Type     Hot Work Tool SteelHigh Carbon Steel
ToughnessExcellentModerate
Hardness56 HRC60–64 HRC
Impact ResistanceExcellentLow
Hot ApplicationsExcellentPoor
BearingsNot SuitableExcellent

   DB6 Tool Steel vs Other Tool Steel Grades

    Steel Grade      Toughness     Wear Resistance     Heat Resistance Typical            Hardness     Ideal Applications
    DB6 (DIN 1.2714)     ExcellentVery GoodExcellent    45–56 HRC Forging Dies ,     Hammer Dies
    H13 (DIN 1.2344)      Very GoodExcellentExcellent    44–54 HRC  Die Casting,    Extrusion Dies
    H11 (DIN 1.2343)     ExcellentGood  Very Good   44–52 HRCHot Work &             Extrusion Tooling
       D2 (DIN     1.2379)GoodExcellent Moderate    58–62 HRC                                                          Cold Work Dies, Punches
     P20 (DIN 1.2311)GoodModerateModerate    28–34 HRC                                                        Plastic Injection Moulds
EN31     ModerateExcellentLow    60–64 HRC       Bearings, Rollers & Wear Parts

“DB6 Tool Steel Equivalents Explained: SKT4, 55NiCrMoV7, L6 & DIN 1.2714 Compared”

PropertyDB6SKT4    55NiCrMoV7L6  DIN 1.2714
Standard     CommercialJISENAISIDIN
Steel Type   Hot WorkHot WorkHot WorkLow AlloyHot Work
Toughness  ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
     Wear Resistance  ExcellentVery GoodExcellentGoodExcellent
Hardness   45–56 HRC45–54 HRC45–56 HRC45–55 HRC45–56 HRC
Hot Work PerformanceExcellentVery GoodExcellentModerateExcellent
    Main Difference     Trade NameJIS GradeEN GradeApprox. EquivalentDIN Grade

DB6, DIN 1.2714, and 55NiCrMoV7 are essentially the same steel grade with different designations. SKT4 is a close Japanese equivalent, while AISI L6 is an approximate equivalent with similar toughness but comparatively lower hot-work performance.

Available Sizes of DB6 Tool Steel

Virat Special Steels supplies DB6 Tool Steel in a wide range of standard and custom sizes to meet the requirements of die makers, tool rooms, automotive, engineering, and precision manufacturing industries.

Available Sizes (Flat)

  • Thickness: 13 mm – 1500 mm
  • Width: 13 mm – 3000 mm
  • Length: Available in standard mill lengths or custom-cut sizes on request.

Available Sizes (Round)

  • Diameter: 13 mm – 1500 mm
  • Length: Standard mill lengths and customized cut-to-size options available.

Custom Processing Services

To minimize machining time and material wastage, we also offer:

  • Precision cut-to-size material
  • Bandsaw cutting
  • Surface machining (on request)
  • Bulk supply with batch-wise traceability
  • Material Test Certificate (MTC) and EN 10204 3.1 certification (where applicable)

DB6 Case Study 40% Improvement in Die Life in Forging

Operations Customer Challenge

A drop-forging plant for automotive components experienced premature die cracking of crankshaft forging dies made from standard hot work steels leading to expensive downtime.

Solution

The tooling was upgraded to DB6 (DIN 1.2714) supplied by Virat Special Steels, vacuum heat treated and double tempered to an optimized 46-48 HRC.

Results

40% increased die service life Eliminate catastrophic die cracking in high energy impact Lower maintenance and machine downtime Forged at a lower cost per part

Certifications Available

Reputable suppliers typically provide:

  • Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
  • Ultrasonic Tested Material
  • Hardness Test Report
  • Chemical Test Report

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Appropriate DB6 Tool Steel

Some important points to consider before buying DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) to get the best out of your application:

1. Choose the Right Hardness

Pick the hardness for your application:

  • 38-42 HRC – Greater toughness and impact resistance
  • 50-56 HRC – Increased wear resistance and extended tool life

2. Choose the required form of material

DB6 Tool Steel is supplied in:

  • Forged and Rolled blocks
  • Round and Flat Bars
  • ESR and Non ESR Blocks

3. Material Quality Inspection

Always ask for:

  • Mill Test Certificate (MTC) Ultrasonic Tested Material
  • Material Traceability Spectro Tested Material

4. Match the App

Select DB6, depending on your tooling needs, such as:

  • Forging Dies
  • Hammer Dies
  • Extrusion
  • Holders for
  • Casting Dies

5. Select a Trusted Supplier

Join hands with a supplier who can support with ready stock, custom machining, technical support and PAN India delivery for consistent quality and timely supply.

Why purchase DB6 Tool Steel from Virat Steels?

Selecting the right supplier is critical to maximizing tool life, performance and productivity. With over 70 years of experience in the industry, Virat Steels is one of the trusted suppliers of high quality imported and domestic tool steels in India with more than 2000 customers in the automotive, forgingdie castingaerospace, plastic mould, heavy engineeringrailways and defence industries.

Why do manufacturers trust us?

  • 70+ Years Experience supplying quality tool steels.
  • 2,000+ Happy Customers in India’s Manufacturing Industry.
  • Supplier of Materials from Reputed International Mills for consistent quality and performance.
  • Tool Steel Ready Stock: DB6, H13H11D2D3P20P20+NiM2M35EN31OHNS and other grades.
  • Mill Test Certificate (MTC) with full traceability of material.
  • UT Tested & Spectro Tested Material for proven quality and internal soundness.
  • Custom Cutting & Machining Services to suit your required sizes.
  • Material Selection Assistance from experienced technical professionals.
  • Fast PAN India Delivery, timely supply & reduced production downtime.

Virat Steels offers authentic quality, certified material and dependable service for all your tool steel needs. Whether DB6 Round Bars, Forged BlocksESR Blocks, Flat Blocks or Cut-to-size Material, we have it all.

Our Supply Network Across India

Virat Steels is one of the leading suppliers of DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) to the manufacturers in the major industrial hubs of India like AhmedabadRajkotPuneNashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, BelgaumChennaiCoimbatore, Hosur, Bengaluru, HyderabadFaridabadManesarBhiwadiGurugramDelhi NCR, LudhianaChandigarhHaryanaPunjab and Jamshedpur.

Our strong logistics network, ready stock and technical knowledge enable us to provide fast PAN India delivery to forging companies, die makers, tool rooms, plastic mould manufacturers, die casting industries and heavy engineering businesses.

Conclusion

DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) is a high-performance hot work tool steel, known for its excellent toughness, wear resistance and thermal fatigue resistance. Proper heat treatment gives it hardness in the range of 45–56 HRC and makes it ideal for forging dies, extrusion toolingdie casting dies, and other demanding industrial applications.

Virat Steels is your trusted partner for premium quality DB6 Tool Steel with 70+ years of experience, 2000+ customers, ready stock, MTC, UT & Spectro Tested materials and PAN India delivery.

Call us or send your drawing to receive a customised material recommendation.

Request a Quote

Looking for premium-quality DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714)?

Virat Steels supplies DB6 Round and Flat Bars & Forged and Rolled Blocks, ESR /non ESR Blocks, Cut-to-Size Material with:

  • ✔ 70+ Years of Industry Experience
  • ✔ 2,000+ Satisfied Customers
  • ✔ Ready Stock
  • ✔ MTC Available
  • ✔ UT Tested Material
  • ✔ Spectro Tested Material
  • ✔ Custom Machining
  • ✔ PAN India Delivery
Ultrasonic testing (UT)
Db6 tool steel
db6 tool steel ultrasonic testing
DB6 heat treatment

Contact Virat Steels today for technical guidance and a customized quotation for your DB6 Tool Steel requirements.

Download PDF:
https://www.viratsteels.com/downloads/DB6_vs_H13_H11_D2_Comparison.pdf

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Call us: +91-98140 21775 Email: info@viratsteels.com Visit us: Gurgaon (Haryana) | Ludhiana (Punjab)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the working hardness of DB6 steel?

DB6 steel is typically tempered to a working hardness of 44–50 HRC depending on the forging application.

2. Is DB6 a hot work or cold work tool steel?

DB6 (DIN 1.2714) is a premium hot work alloy tool steel containing Nickel, Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium.

3. What is the annealed hardness of DB6?

 In annealed condition, DB6 has a hardness of 220–250 HB (Brinell Hardness) for easy machining.

4. What is the hardening temperature for DB6?

The recommended hardening (austenitizing) temperature is 840–870°C followed by oil, polymer, or air quenching.

5. How many tempering cycles are required for DB6?

At least two tempering cycles (double tempering) are required to relieve stress and stabilize the micro-structure.

6. Is DB6 equivalent to D2 or SKD11?

No. DB6 is a hot work steel (1.2714). D2 / SKD11 (1.2379) is a cold work steel used for cold punching and blanking.

7. What is the DIN equivalent of DB6?

The exact DIN equivalent is DIN 1.2714 (55NiCrMoV7) (L6).

8. What makes DB6 tough?

The presence of 1.50–1.80% Nickel (Ni) gives DB6 exceptional core toughness and resistance to impact cracking.

9. Can DB6 be used for blanking dies?

No, cold blanking requires cold work steels like D2 or DC53. DB6 is engineered for hot forging and high-impact dies.

10. What industries rely on DB6 tool steel?

Drop forging, press forging, automotive component manufacturing, heavy engineering, and defense.

11. Is pre-hardened DB6 available?

Yes, DB6 is often supplied in a pre-hardened condition (~35–40 HRC) for direct die cavity machining.

12. Can DB6 steel be welded?

Welding DB6 is difficult due to its high hardenability. Preheating to 300–400°C and post-weld stress relief are essential if welding is necessary.

13. Why does DB6 outperform H13 in drop forging hammer dies?

DB6 has higher Nickel content, offering superior impact energy absorption compared to H13, preventing die shattering under heavy hammer blows.

14. Why is stress relieving important before hardening DB6?

 It removes machining stresses, preventing warping and dimensional movement during quenching.

15. What quality reports come with DB6 from Virat Special Steels?

Material Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1), Ultrasonic Testing (UT) report, and Hardness/Chemical test reports.

16. Does DB6 resist thermal fatigue?

Yes, its balanced Cr-Ni-Mo composition gives high resistance to heat checking (thermal fatigue).

17. What supply forms are available for DB6?

Round bars, flat blocks, forged blocks, and custom cut plates.

18. What is the primary advantage of DB6?

 High impact toughness combined with excellent hardenability across large block sizes.

19. What should buyers check before buying DB6?

Ensure ultrasonic soundness (UT testing) to prevent internal defects in large die blocks.

20. Why choose Virat Special Steels for DB6?

Extensive stock, certified quality, precision cutting facilities, quick delivery, and decades of technical expertise.

DB6 vs High Carbon Steels

When it comes to choosing steel for industrial, tooling, or manufacturing purposes, the choice often boils down to the material’s performance, strength, and durability. DB6 steel and high carbon steels are two prominent contenders in various industries. Each has its unique properties, uses, and advantages.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between DB6 and high carbon steels to help you make the right decision based on your specific needs.


What is DB6 Steel?

Definition and Composition of DB6 Steel

DB6 is a premium-grade, hot-work tool steel that is specifically designed for die and tooling applications. It belongs to the H-series of tool steels and typically contains chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium as its core alloying elements.

Key Properties of DB6 Steel

  • Toughness: DB6 exhibits excellent toughness, which helps it resist cracking under high stress.
  • Heat Resistance: It maintains its strength at elevated temperatures.
  • Wear Resistance: Due to its alloying elements, DB6 resists wear, making it perfect for heavy-use industrial tools.
  • Hardness: It strikes a balance between hardness and machinability.

Common Applications of DB6 Steel

  • Die Casting Dies: DB6 is frequently used in aluminum and zinc die-casting dies.
  • Extrusion Tools: It excels in hot extrusion applications where heat resistance is critical.
  • Plastic Molding: DB6 is utilized for injection molding applications due to its durability.

What are High Carbon Steels?

Definition and Composition of High Carbon Steels

High carbon steels are steels with a carbon content between 0.6% and 1.0%, which gives them enhanced hardness and strength compared to low and medium carbon steels.

Key Properties of High Carbon Steels

  • Hardness: High carbon steels achieve high hardness levels when properly heat-treated.
  • Strength: Their higher carbon content contributes to excellent tensile strength.
  • Wear Resistance: High carbon steels resist abrasion effectively in moderate conditions.
  • Machinability: They are harder to machine compared to low carbon steels but can be shaped under specific conditions.

Common Applications of High Carbon Steels

  • Cutting Tools: Knives, blades, and cutting tools often rely on high carbon steels.
  • Springs: Due to their elasticity and strength, high carbon steels are widely used for springs.
  • Wires and Cables: Strong wires are frequently made using high carbon steels.

DB6 vs. High Carbon Steels: A Comparative Analysis

Composition Comparison

  • DB6 Steel: Contains alloying elements like chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, which enhance its toughness and resistance to heat and wear.
  • High Carbon Steels: Primarily rely on carbon content for their hardness and strength without significant alloying additions.

Hardness and Toughness

  • DB6 Steel: While DB6 may not be as hard as high carbon steels, it offers excellent toughness, making it ideal for high-stress industrial uses.
  • High Carbon Steels: These steels are extremely hard but less tough, which makes them prone to cracking under extreme conditions.

Wear Resistance

  • DB6’s alloyed structure offers superior wear resistance in high-temperature environments.
  • High carbon steels provide moderate wear resistance but may degrade under high heat.

Machinability and Workability

  • DB6 Steel: Offers good machinability and can be worked into complex shapes.
  • High Carbon Steels: More challenging to machine due to their hardness.

Strength and Durability: DB6 vs. High Carbon Steels

DB6 Steel Strength Under Stress:
DB6’s robust toughness makes it ideal for repeated use in high-impact, high-heat scenarios, such as die-casting or extrusion.

High Carbon Steel Performance in High-Stress Environments:
While high carbon steels excel in strength, they are less durable in prolonged high-temperature environments, making them unsuitable for hot work applications.


Heat Treatment: DB6 vs. High Carbon Steels

Heat Treatment Process of DB6 Steel

DB6 is subjected to quenching and tempering processes, which give it optimal toughness and hardness for die applications.

Heat Treatment Process of High Carbon Steels

High carbon steels undergo annealing, hardening, and tempering to achieve high hardness levels.

Differences in Heat Treatment Outcomes

  • DB6 retains toughness even after heat treatment.
  • High carbon steels become extremely hard but lose some toughness in the process.

Corrosion Resistance

DB6 Steel’s Resistance to Corrosion:
DB6 has better corrosion resistance compared to high carbon steels due to its alloying elements like chromium.

High Carbon Steel’s Corrosion Limitations:
High carbon steels are more prone to rusting and corrosion when exposed to moisture or corrosive environments.


Conclusion

Choosing between DB6 steel and high carbon steels depends entirely on your application. If you need a material with excellent toughness, heat resistance, and wear performance, DB6 steel is your best bet. On the other hand, if cost and hardness are primary considerations, high carbon steels might meet your requirements.


FAQs

1. What is the biggest difference between DB6 and high carbon steels?
The biggest difference lies in their composition. DB6 is an alloyed tool steel, while high carbon steels rely on carbon for their properties.

2. Which steel is better for die and tooling?
DB6 is superior for die and tooling due to its heat resistance and toughness.

3. How do DB6 and high carbon steels respond to heat treatment?
DB6 retains toughness after heat treatment, whereas high carbon steels become extremely hard but lose toughness.

4. Is DB6 steel more expensive than high carbon steel?
Yes, DB6 steel is typically more expensive due to its alloying elements and superior properties.

5. Can high carbon steel replace DB6 in industrial applications?
High carbon steel can be used for specific low-temperature applications, but it cannot match DB6’s performance in hot work environments.

Discover the quality of Die Steel with VIRAT SPECIAL STEELS PVT. LIMITED. Get in touch with us today to place your requirement! Contact us today to buy the best quality DB6 / DIN 2714 steel for your tooling needs! https://www.viratsteels.com/din-2714.html

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